- B E R I T A _ H A R I _ I N I _ 2 0 0 8 -

fatzcomel

Pilgrims to stand in Arafat today
Badea Abu Al-Naja & Hamid Al-Sulami | Arab News


OUTPOURING OF FAITH: Pilgrims gather at Mina on Saturday to prepare for their journey to Arafat on Sunday. (AN photo by Abdullah Al-Muwallad)

MINA: Millions of pilgrims spent the first day of this year抯 Haj (Yaum Al-Tarwiyah) in prayers and devotion while security forces and other government agencies were striving to guarantee a safe and peaceful stay for them in Mina.

The pilgrims are expected to converge today on Mount Arafat, about 15 km east of Makkah, at the climax of this year抯 Haj after spending a night of meditation and introspection in the tent city of Mina yesterday.

Chanting 揕abbaik Allahumma Labbaik

fatz

S'pore safe from tsunamis
By Liaw Wy Cin


The National Environment Agency (NEA) commissioned the National University of Singapore (NUS) and the Nanyang Technological University (NTU) to conduct a study to ascertain Singapore's vulnerability to the effects of giant tidal waves caused by underground earth movements in 2006. -- ST PHOTO: DESMOND WEE

A TWO-year study has confirmed what has been anecdotally known about Singapore - that its shorelines are relatively safe from tsunamis.

The National Environment Agency (NEA) commissioned the National University of Singapore (NUS) and the Nanyang Technological University (NTU) to conduct a study to ascertain Singapore's vulnerability to the effects of giant tidal waves caused by underground earth movements in 2006.

The study found that two regions near Singapore had the potential to cause earthquakes - the Sunda Arc fringing Indonesia, and the Manila Trench bordering the Philippines. Using computer simulation, the researchers found that it would take an earthquake measuring about 9 on the Richter scale for a tsunami to be generated that could reach Singapore. And it would take at least 10 hours for the tsunami to hit Singapore's shores.

The study also found that if this happened, Singapore's waves of no more than 0.7 metres above the average sea level would hit beaches of no more than 50 metres from the shoreline.

Six unprotected beaches here were also identified as potential vulnerable areas - West Coast Park, Labrador Park, Sentosa, the Southern Islands, East Coast Park and Pasir Ris Park.

But the NEA said that this still posed limited threat because the nearest residential area from the coastline in Singapore was 80m inland and any built up area was constructed at least 1.25m above the highest tide level of about 1.5m above the average sea level.

Still, the NEA said it had put in place a system involving various agencies to alert the public and evacuate vulnerable beaches. And the lead time of 10 hours before any tsunami hit Singapore was enough to do all this, said the director-general of NEA's meteorological services, Mr Foong Chee Leong.

The study had been commissioned in response to the devastating Indian Ocean tsunami on Dec 26 four years ago (04), which killed more than 225,000 people. That tsunami, triggered by an undersea earthquake off the Indonesian island of Sumatra measuring about 9.2 on the Richter scale, did not record any rise in sea level in Singapore, said Mr Foong.

fatz

ICA uncovers S$305k worth of duty-unpaid cigarettes
By Hetty Musfirah Abdul Khamid, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 16 December 2008 2021 hrs


The duty-unpaid cigarettes uncovered under boxes of frozen fish.

SINGAPORE: Singapore's Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) has busted yet another attempt to smuggle duty-unpaid cigarettes into the country.

Officers stopped a Malaysian-registered truck at about 2 am on Tuesday at the Tuas Second Link.

Checks uncovered some 3,700 cartons comprising more than 700,000 sticks of cigarettes, which were hidden under more than 600 boxes of frozen fish.

The total customs duty and GST payable on the cigarettes amounted to S$305,000 and S$25,600 respectively.

The driver, a 33-year-old man and two others aged 27 and 29, claimed to have been promised payment by a local syndicate should the consignment be delivered successfully.

If found guilty, first-time offenders can be fined up to a maximum of 20 times the amount of duty evaded.

For second or subsequent convictions, offenders could be jailed up to two years and fined.

- CNA/yt

fatzcomel

Jail for sex with teen hooker
By Elena Chong COURT CORRESPONDENT


Tan Chye Hin, 55, pleaded guilty to getting the services of the 16-year-old China prostitute in a Geylang hotel on Aug 4. -- ST PHOTO: WONG KWAI CHOW

A RENOVATION contractor was sentenced to 12 months' jail on Monday for paying $100 to an underaged prostitute for sex.

Tan Chye Hin, 55, pleaded guilty to getting the services of the 16-year-old China prostitute in a Geylang hotel on Aug 4.

The father of three is appealing against the sentence. His $12,000 bail was upped by another $6,000.

Last month, the pimp who abetted him in the offence, Wang Minjiang, 36, was similarly jailed 12 months by the High Court after the prosecution appealed against his original fine of $8,000.

Both Wang and his nephew, Wang Youyi, 31, had been fined for offences under the Women's Charter.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Karen Ang Aiping had sought at least 12 months' jail for Tan.

It was clear, she said, that the primary reason for introducing new laws in the Penal Code was to afford protection to a group of minors aged below 18 from sexual exploitation.

The Senior Minister of State (Home Affairs) Ho Peng Kee said in Parliament it was necessary for Singapore to close ranks with other countries around the world to prevent sexual exploitation of minors.

The DPP said earlier that the Wangs gave food and lodging to the the victim, now 17, and another 19-year-old China girl, who came to Singapore to work as prostitutes.

They took the two girls to a Geylang coffeeshop to wait for customers to approach them.

At times, the Wangs would help the girls in negotiating the charges for sex. Customers were charged $80 to $100 for each booking.

The two men tried to boost their business by telling people that the younger victim was only 17 years old.

On Aug 4, Minjiang received a call from Tan who said he wanted to have sex with the younger girl.

Tan came and took the victim to a nearby hotel where he paid $100 to her for sex. He could have been jailed for up to seven years and fined.

Third man also guilty
The third man involved in the commercial sex case for paying an underage prostitute for her services also pleaded guilty on Monday.

Rodney Sim Hang Nge, 61, an accountant, admitted to paying the 16-year-old girl, a Chinese national, $100 for sex at a hotel in Joo Chiat Road on Aug 3, and at another hotel two days later.

Last month Wang Minjiang, 36, became the first person to be jailed for 12 months for abetting Tan Chye Hin, 55, in commercial sex involving the same girl on Aug 4.

The High Court set aside his $8,000 fine and replaced it with a jail sentence, stating that 'a more rigorous sentence might be needed to discourage international prostitution involving persons the law regards as young and vulnerable''.

Tan, who pleaded guilty earlier in the same court and was sentenced to 12 months by District Judge Jeffrey Sim, is appealing against the sentence.

In Sim's case, Deputy Public Prosecutor Karen Ang Aiping said that the father of two was having coffee at a coffeeshop in Lorong 14 Geylang on the evening of Aug 3 when he saw the victim with Wang sitting at a table.

He smiled at the girl, who later signalled him over to her table.

When he asked how much she was charging for sex, Wang quoted $100.

Sim tried to bargain it down to $80 but was told by Wang that the girl had just arrived and was 'different'' from the other girls.

He agreed to pay her $100 for her services and drove her to the hotel in Joo Chiat where they had sex.

Two days later he contacted Wang and arranged to have sex again with the victim.

After sex, he bought her a pre-paid phone card and some fruit at her request. He also paid her $30.

His lawyer, Mr Shashi Nathan, will present a mitigation plea on his behalf on Jan 7.

virgomal

KES BUNUH NONOI

AYAH TIRI JALANI HUKUMAN GANTUNG

Oleh
Soraya Salim

LELAKI yang membunuh anak tiri perempuannya - 'Nonoi' - dengan membenam kepalanya ke dalam baldi berisi air telah menjalani hukuman gantung di Penjara Changi subuh semalam.

Mohammed Ali Johari, 32 tahun, (gambar) menjalani hukuman itu selepas kedua-dua rayuannya kepada Mahkamah Rayuan dan Presiden Singapura, pada April lalu ditolak.

Mahkamah Tinggi menjatuhkan hukuman gantung ke atas Mohammed Ali setelah mendapatinya 'berniat membenamkan mangsa ke dalam baldi dan menyebabkan kematiannya'.

Dalam membuat keputusannya itu selepas perbicaraan selama lapan hari, Hakim Mahkamah Tinggi, Encik Kan Ting Chiu, menyifatkan tindakan tidak berperi kemanusiaan Mohammed Ali ke atas Nonoi atau nama sebenarnya, Nur Asyura Mohamed Fauzi itu 'bukanlah satu kemalangan atau tidak disengajakan'.

Hakim Mahkamah Rayuan, Encik V. K. Rajah, dalam menolak rayuan Mohammed Ali menyifatkan perbuatannya itu 'amat kejam'.

Menurut pihak pendakwa raya kesalahan tertuduh telah dibuktikan tanpa sebarang kesangsian.

Kes Nonoi bermula apabila anak kecil itu dilaporkan hilang dari rumah penjaganya, iaitu ibu bapa Mohammed Ali, Encik Johari Mohamed Yus dan Cik Fatimah Yusoff, di Circuit Road pada 1 Mac 2006.

Pasangan suami isteri itu menjaga Nonoi apabila Mohammed Ali dan isterinya, Cik Mastura Kamsir, ibu Nonoi, keluar bekerja.

Usaha mencari Nonoi dilakukan dengan meluas, melibatkan anggota keluarga, polis, jiran-jiran dan sukarelawan.

Pada mulanya, Mohammed Ali, anak sulung daripada empat adik-beradik, menuduh bapa dan adik lelakinya tidak menjaga Nonoi dengan baik. Malah, dia turut melibatkan diri dalam usaha mencari Nonoi.

Namun, tiga hari kemudian, Mohammed Ali membuat pengakuan dia membunuh Nonoi dan mendakwa ia berlaku secara tidak sengaja.

Mahkamah telah diberitahu bahawa pada hari pembunuhan itu, Nonoi enggan berhenti menangis sehingga menimbulkan kemarahan Mohammed Ali ketika mereka berada di flatnya di Pipit Road.

Tertuduh yang memang panas baran menampar pipi dan menumbuk kaki dan tulang rusuk Nonoi untuk menghentikannya daripada berterusan menangis.

Mohammed Ali lalu menggantung Nonoi dengan memegang kakinya dan membenamkan kepala Nonoi ke dalam baldi yang separuh penuh dengan air sebanyak tiga kali.

Tertuduh mendakwa dia tidak sengaja meninggalkan Nonoi dalam air kerana terlupa selepas menerima beberapa panggilan telefon.

Mohammed Ali kemudian membawa mayat Nonoi ke flat ibu bapanya sebelum menyorok mayatnya di bawah jejambat Aljunied.

Bedah siasat turut menunjukkan Nonoi telah didera secara seksual sebelum dibunuh.

Punca sebenar kematian Nonoi tidak dapat dipastikan walaupun keadaan paru-parunya konsisten dengan mangsa lemas.



akhirnya, mati jugak pembunuh nonoi ni di tali gantung

virgomal

Over 100 people trapped in Singapore Flyer
By Imelda Saad, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 23 December 2008 1843 hrs
         
         
                 

Singapore Flyer
           
         

SINGAPORE: The world's largest observation wheel, the Singapore Flyer grounded to a halt at about 4.15pm on Tuesday, leaving over 100 people trapped.

Rescue operations are underway and one by one, they are being lifted through the hatch on top of each capsule, secured with a winch and lowered to the ground.

At least 10 passengers have been rescued this way as at 10:30pm by the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) officers and a private rescue firm engaged by Singapore Flyer.

A passenger who was stuck in one of the capsules said there was a sudden jerk before the wheel stopped turning. An announcement a few minutes later said there was a technical error.

Mdm Lim Boon Siang, a passenger stuck in one of the capsules, said: "About 4.30pm or 4.15pm, after we passed the maximum altitude, it suddenly jerked to a stop, and then for a good five to ten minutes, we waited.

"We thought that this could be something normal. And then there was a message that came in that said that it has stopped temporary. Everybody was calm, but initially the air-con was switched off, so it was very hot due to the evening sun. They opened up the air ventilator, and the air-con if I am not wrong is working now."

She said there were about 10 other people, including children, in her cabin.

When contacted, a Singapore Flyer spokesperson confirmed the incident, adding that at the time of the incident, 23 capsules were occupied by about 173 passengers.

The spokesperson said: "Their safety was never at risk while they were in the capsules. Every capsule is equipped with an intercom system which is linked to the control room - for passengers and the control room personnel to communicate.

"Our staff promptly informed passengers of the situation and reassured them that measures were being taken to fix the technical problem. There are also surveillance cameras installed in every capsule for the operations team to monitor what is going on in all capsules."

Those still trapped have been told over the intercom that food and drink will be sent to them.

A ride on the 165-metre tall wheel, about 42 storeys high, typically takes half an hour and each capsule can take up to 28 people.

Since the Flyer became operational in February this year, this is the third time it has encountered problems.

The last time a technical glitch occurred was just three weeks ago, on December 4. The wheel was stuck for nearly five hours due to extreme weather conditions and some 70 people were affected.

In July, the Flyer stopped due to a minor fault in the braking system. - CNA/vm

[ Last edited by  virgomal at 23-12-2008 11:24 PM ]

skgerl

Originally posted by virgomal at 23-12-2008 11:22 PM
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/imagegallery/store/phpZf4AzV.jpg htt ...

hishhh...sib baiklah aku takde kat dalam..... kalau tak,da pengsan gaknya...

sutera_abadi

Kesiannya dorang...
dalam kes gini... mesti ada yg dah terkucil...

Originally posted by skgerl at 24-12-2008 08:40 AM

Singapore Flyer...

fatz

S'pore Flyer tenants to meet management to discuss compensation, rebates
By S.Ramesh, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 25 December 2008 1802 hrs

SINGAPORE: Tenants at the Singapore Flyer are set to meet its management next Tuesday to discuss compensation and rebates for losses incurred following this week's wheel stoppage.

Meanwhile, Channel NewsAsia understands the management also visited affected families to bring them some Christmas joy on Thursday.

Lawyers Channel NewsAsia spoke to said if investigations reveal any breach of licensing or safety requirements, operations of the Singapore Flyer could be affected.

The Singapore Flyer may not be operational for now but that抯 not stopping some Singaporeans and tourists from taking a stroll around the area and the Marina Bayfront.

Still, the ghost town feeling is something staff never thought would take place during the year-end festive period.

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day at the Singapore Flyer would have been very different if wheels were in motion. According to some staff, there would have been hundreds of party-goers and private groups enjoying themselves at the Flyer but all this had to be put to a grounding halt as a result of Tuesday's incident.

Equally affected are the restaurants and shops at the complex.

One restaurateur said there's been an 80 per cent cancellation from those who'd signed up for the "flight-and-dine" package.

Another manager estimates losses in the range of S$60,000 for the year-end period.

R Rajan, manager, Shalimar Palace, said: "We are organising the New Year's eve party so customers are calling us. They want to go for the ride and they are asking us when it will open and we have to say it will open soon."

Meanwhile, as investigations continue, questions are being asked as to the kind of action those trapped in the capsules can pursue.

Robson Lee, lawyer and partner, Shook Lin & Bok, said: "There are various causes of action. For emotional distress they would have to prove that this leads to a serious medical condition and it has to be medically proven and that's a course of action under Tort Law.

揑f they have suffered financial losses, they would have to show that the causation was the delay, the undue delay of six hours.

fatz

New generation EZ Link cards to go on sale on Dec 29
By Dominique Loh, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 26 December 2008 1627 hrs


Sample of new EZ Link card (front)


Sample of new EZ Link card (back)

SINGAPORE: Starting next Monday, commuters will be able to buy and use a new generation of EZ Link cards which can also be used for payment at retail outlets. For a start, 10 million cards will be made available.

The new cards will cost S$15 each, but will only have a stored value of S$10 as the other S$5 covers the cost of the card.

The cards are compliant to a new standard called Contactless ePurse Application (CEPAS). These new cards will have a new face design and a CEPAS logo on them.

Eventually, these new EZ Link cards can be used in the new generation in-vehicle units for Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) charges. Drivers can also use these cards at Electronic Parking System car parks.

With expected higher usage, the new card can store up to a maximum value of S$500

fatz

Singapore Flyer's builder arrives as police probe breakdown incident
By Asha Popatlal, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 26 December 2008 2150 hrs



SINGAPORE: The chairman of the company that built the Singapore Flyer

fatz

Dec 26, 2008
Flyer stays shut
Questions raised about safety procedures
By Judith Tan & Esther Tan

         
Tourists and locals hoping for a sky-high view of Singapore from the world's largest observation wheel were turned away as the Flyer stayed shut by order of the Singapore Police Force. -- ST PHOTO: LIM CHIN PING

THE Singapore Flyer is likely to stay shut until at least the New Year as investigations get underway into what caused the six-hour breakdown on Tuesday which required rescuers to lower 11 stranded passengers to the ground by rope.

Yesterday, tourists and locals hoping for a sky-high view of Singapore from the world's largest observation wheel were turned away as the Flyer stayed shut by order of the Singapore Police Force.

The Flyer requires a public entertainment licence to operate. As the licensing authority, the police said they will allow operations to resume only after the Flyer's structural and mechanical systems are certified safe by an internationally recognised body.

Police are also investigating whether any of the licensing conditions were breached, although at this time 'there is no evidence to suggest that the incident was deliberate'.

Working with the Singapore Civil Defence Force, the Flyer's management and independent experts, police investigations will look into how the problem occurred, how it can be prevented and what measures can put in place to enhance passenger safety.

Senior management from the Ministry of Home Affairs will oversee the investigations, said the police statement.

It added: 'It is premature at this stage to say how long this process will take.'

The Flyer's general manager Steven Yeo added: 'At this point in time, we are not able to tell you but it is unlikely to be ready by New Year.'

Flyer officials and engineers from the builders Mitsubishi Heavy Industries were on the scene looking into how a fire in the control room on the third floor of the complex led to a short-circuit that brought the wheel to a grinding halt.

One question many passengers had was whether winching them down to the ground was the best way to rescue them. In Britain, the London Eye is designed such that it can be turned manually by staff, even if the back-up power fails.

Mr Yeo said the bigger Flyer is not designed for such movement.

The company hired Dive Marine to provide rescue services. Rescue drills were conducted before and after the Flyer opened in February.

'We did two training sessions and carried out an assessment so our men are familiar with the Flyer,' said Mr Sean Tan, 33, Dive Marine's rope access division manager. Dive Marine has suggested that first-aid kits as well as food and water supplies be stored in each capsule, as is the case in the London Eye.

Mr Yeo said they had discussed this a few weeks ago but it was 'unfortunate' that the measures were not put in place before Tuesday's incident. He said: 'The fortunate thing about Singapore is that the weather is actually quite mild and we don't have the type of problems which London would have.'

The rescuers also propose obtaining devices that will automatically lower a person in a rope harness, instead of having to do this manually.

Mr Yeo said they will look into what extra measures are needed.

Despite four stoppages in 10 months, the Singapore Tourism Board 'expects the impact of this incident on Singapore's overall appeal as a destination to be limited over the longer term', according to the director for cluster development, Ms Jeannie Lim.

[email protected]

[email protected]

Additional reporting by Yeo Sam Jo

fatz

Dec 28, 2008
Man crushed to death
By Mavis Toh

A CRANE operator was crushed to death yesterday afternoon when a 12m long container fell onto his crane.

Mr Yahaman Yahaya, 48, was operating the machine at Eng Kong Containers Agency - a warehouse and container service operator - at Tuas South Street 5 when the accident happened at about 12.30pm.

His colleagues told The Sunday Times that the crane operator had just lifted a few containers, and was writing in a notebook, when the top-most container toppled over.

'There may have been some misjudgment or human error because the containers were stacked high and the sun could have shone into his eyes,' said a colleague who declined to be named.

He added that Mr Yahaman suffered internal bleeding and fractured his back. There were also scars on his face and blood in his ears.

The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) said it extricated Mr Yahaman using another crane and a hydraulic spreader.

'The victim suffered crush injuries and was pronounced dead by paramedics at the scene,' said an SCDF spokesman.

A Manpower Ministry spokesman said it has ordered Eng Kong Containers Agency to stop all loading and unloading work while it investigates the accident and reviews the company's work procedures.

More than 20 family members and friends arrived at the scene yesterday afternoon, including Mr Yahaman's elder brother, Mr Arpah Yahaya.

He said Mr Yahaman lived in Johor Baru with his wife and six children and commuted to work daily.

Friends said Mr Yahaman had been working for the company for over 20 years. They also described him as a calm and steady man who always practised safety at work.

His employer could not be reached.

The police are investigating the case as an unnatural death.

fatzcomel

Singapura : 29 Disember 2008         

MAUT DIHEMPAP KONTENA

ANAK DIIZIN MASUK BAGI PENGEBUMIAN WALAU TIADA PASPORT

Oleh
Ervina Mohd Jamil

WALAUPUN tidak mempunyai pasport, empat anak pemandu kren yang maut dihempap kontena tetap berpeluang menatap wajah Allahyarham buat kali terakhir semalam.

Keempat-empat anak Allahyarham Yahaman Yahya itu diberi pas kecemasan oleh imigresen Singapura untuk mereka masuk ke sini bagi menghadiri mengebumikan bapa mereka di Pusara Abadi.

Allahyarham warga Singapura, manakala isterinya, Cik Hamidah Mohd Noor, dan empat anak mereka, berumur antara 28 tahun dengan 17 tahun, warga Malaysia.

Cik Hamidah, 48 tahun, mempunyai pasport dan tiba di rumah abang Allahyarham di Boon Lay Place kelmarin.

Allahyarham, juga 48 tahun, meninggal dunia kelmarin akibat nahas itu di tempat kerjanya di Tuas South Street 5.

Menurut seorang anak Allahyarham, Cik Yahidayu, 24 tahun, beliau adik-beradik berada di Pusat Pemeriksaan Woodlands empat jam untuk memenuhi beberapa peraturan sebelum dibenarkan masuk dan tinggal di sini sebulan.

Menyingkap kali terakhir mereka bersama Allahyarham, Cik Yahidayu berkata adiknya, Cik Yazri, 19 tahun, belanja mereka sekeluarga makan malam di Johor Bahru pada malam sebelum kemalangan tersebut.

'Itulah kali pertama Yazri belanja kami sekeluarga. Sempat juga dia berbuat demikian,' ujar Cik Yahidayu.

Anak sulung Allahyarham, Encik Yazid, 28 tahun, tidak dapat menyertai mereka pada malam itu kerana beliau sakit dan disuruh bapanya berehat di rumah.

Namun, Allahyarham tidak lupa membelikan makanan untuk Encik Yazid, seorang operator pengeluaran.

Encik Yazid berkata bapanya banyak memberi nasihat kepadanya, lebih-lebih lagi beliau bakal mendirikan rumah tangga pada Februari depan.

Antara lain, Allahyarham menasihati Encik Yazid agar menjaga keluarga yang bakal dibentuknya sebagaimana beliau menjaga ibu dan adik-adiknya.

Encik Yazid menyifatkan bapanya sebagai seorang periang, ceria dan murah hati.

'Ayah memang tegas orangnya. Tapi ada kala beliau berlembut dengan kami, mengikut situasi.

'Ayah pun tidak lokek dan selalu menepati janjinya. Beliau berjanji akan membawa kami sekeluarga keluar makan setiap kali beliau mendapat bonus atau gaji dan sejauh ini, beliau telah menepati janjinya itu.

'Ayah telah banyak berkorban untuk kami sekeluarga, dari saya kecil sehinggalah saya dewasa.

' Itulah yang tidak dapat saya lupakan atau gantikan buat selama-lamanya,' ujar Encik Yazid, yang bekerja di Johor Bahru.